If LS is diagnosed early (in terms of changes to the vulva etc) and steroid cream is used to treat flare ups as soon as they occur, can major changes to the vulva be avoided, or is it inevitable that the LS will lead to fusing/atrophy etc?
I was diagnosed with LS 2 years ago at the age of 30, but believe i have actually had it since i was a teenager. I have always found sex painful but other than this my only real symptom of LS during a flare up is bad itching. I just want to have a realistic idea of what may happen in the future and whether or not It is possible to avoid major changes to the vulva etc if I have it for the next x number of years?
Hello there Frankie- I was diagnosed when I was thirty six and I am now 58. There have been changes but over such a long period of time that you manage the change as you would the grey that appears in your hair or the wrinkles on your face.
Twenty two years later I experience a flare up which gives me the itch but I have been advised just to carry on as normal with the steroid cream and oilatum baths.My GP does a check every 6 months and that is it.
I know that there can be worse scenarios for a limited percentage of people who have LS - but I do not think that it is wise to ponder on this. As long as you are taking good advice and looking after yourself then this is enough i believe.
I was diagnosed very late in life, but do think that I had LS way longer. I concur with you Jenny. Taking good care will make a sure difference for the long haul. If only I would have known much earlier.
But I shouldn't complain, all functions as normal. (I'm 65)
Thank you for the reassuring words Jenny. Comparing managing the changes you have experienced to other changes we all go through really made me feel better.
Thank you for the reply Hanny. Is good to know things for you all function as normal. Hopefully I can keep everything functioning normally too if I'm careful.
I was told a mild case might never get worse.